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Tokina announces 16-28mm F2.8 lens for Canon & Nikon
Mon, 5 Jul
Tokina has announced that its 16-28mm F2.8 ultra wide angle zoom lens will be available in Nikon and Canon full-frame mounts. Announced at PMA 2010, the AT-X 16-28 F2.8 PRO FX lens features the company’s newly developed AF system that features a quieter Silent Drive-Module (SD-M) autofocus motor and promises more precise focusing. The weather-sealed lens comes with a fixed lens hood and does not incorporate a filter thread. Priced at ¥123, 900 (~ US $1400) the Nikon mount will start shipping From August 6, 2010 while the Canon version will ship from mid-September. (more)
Unified Color Technologies unveils HDR Expose
Tue, 6 Jul
HDR software maker, Unified Color Technologies has unveiled the HDR Expose 32-bit HDR merge and editing software. It replaces the company’s flagship HDR PhotoStudio software, but inherits its core features and technology. Headline features include the addition of de-ghosting algorithms and a Brightness Histogram to help maintain highlight and shadow details at lower bit-depths. It also includes new plug-ins allowing direct export from third party Raw conversion software. The software will be available from July 12, 2010 as a free upgrade to existing users of HDR PhotoStudio or for an introductory price of $99.00 for new users. (more)
Unified Color Technologies discusses HDR Expose
Tue, 6 Jul
A few days before the release of Unified Color Technology’s HDR Expose software, we got a chance to speak to the company’s marketing director John Omvik. He told us how different it is from the previous HDR PhotoStudio software, what’s in store for high dynamic range users and how will they can benefit from the new features. (more)
Just posted: 2010 Super Zoom Group Test
Tue, 6 Jul
Just Posted: Our group test of the latest ‘super zoom’ cameras. Despite entry-level DSLRs getting cheaper and cheaper the super zoom models are as popular as ever. This latest generation comes with up to 30x zoom lenses, HD video recording and, in some cases, high speed stills and video capture. We’ve taken 9 super zoom cameras from the leading manufacturers and put them through the usual dpreview test procedures. Read our group test to find out which one is the best superzoom to take to the soccer pitch or on safari this summer. (more)
Canon releases firmware updates for EOS-1D Mark IV and Rebel T2i
Wed, 7 Jul
Canon has released firmware updates for its EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS Rebel T2i/550D digital SLRs. Firmware v1.0.8 for both cameras fixes a bug in the movie mode. The update for the EOS 1D Mark IV also corrects misspellings in the French and Spanish language menus. The latest versions are available for immediate download from Canon’s website. (more)
Lexar announces ‘Take the Next Shot’ sweepstake
Thu, 8 Jul
Lexar has announced a Facebook based sweepstake with a chance to win either a Canon 7D or Nikon D300S DSLR kit with Lexar memory cards and reader. To enter the ‘Take the Next Shot’ sweepstake participants need to submit a ‘favourite’ photograph along with a 15 word caption and click on the ‘Like’ button in the company’s Facebook page. Entries need to be submitted before July 31, 2010. (more)
Sony unveils Cyber-shot DSC-WX5, DSC-TX9 and DSC-T99 digital cameras
Thu, 8 Jul
Sony has unveiled the Cyber-shot DSC-WX5, DSC-TX9 and DSC-T99 digital compacts. The WX5 and TX9 incorporate the company’s latest 12.2MP, 1/2.3″ Exmor R back illuminated CMOS sensor. Both feature a ‘Superior Auto’ mode that shoots bursts of between 2 and 6 shots then combines them either to reduced noise or boost dynamic range, depending on the scene you’re shooting. The WX5 includes a wide angle 4x optical zoom lens starting at 24mm equivalent and a 2.8″ LCD, while the TX9 comes with a 3.5″ touchscreen LCD and a 25-100mm equivalent lens. Other features include a Background Defocus mode, 3D Sweep Panorama mode and 1080i Full AVCHD video recording. The DSC-T99 features the same lens and body design as the TX9, a smaller LCD and a 14MP CCD sensor that cannot achieve the fast multi-shot shooting required for Superior Auto mode. All three cameras offer a Soft Skin mode that tries to smooth out wrinkles and other blemishes from the subject’s skin. (more)
Sigma says 70-200mm F2.8 OS available soon for Canon
Fri, 9 Jul
Sigma has set the suggested retail price of its latest 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens at £1500. Announced in PMA 2010, the lens will be available from July 23 in Canon EF mount. The lens features a new optical design that uses two elements made of the company’s recently developed ‘FLD’ glass plus three SLD glass elements to reduce aberrations, a 9-blade circular aperture, and features full-time manual focus override. The lens is designed for full frame cameras but comes with a lens hood adapter to provide better shading for APS-C cameras. (more)
Leica posts firmware update for M8 and M8.2 rangefinders
Fri, 9 Jul
Leica has posted a firmware update for its M8 and M8.2 digital rangefinders. Version 2.005 for the both cameras fixes the ‘Shutter Fault’ error that can occur when shooting multiple images. The firmware is available for immediate download from the company’s website. (more)
Just posted: our Samsung TL500/EX1 review
Fri, 9 Jul
Just Posted: Our review of the Samsung TL500 (EX1 in Europe). The future of the enthusiast compact camera is under threat from the small mirrorless cameras that are starting to encroach on their territory. However, the Samsung TL500′s smaller sensor (compared to the mirrorless models) means the company has been able to include a lens that not only offers a useful 24-72mm equivalent range but also a phenomenally bright F1.8-2.4 maximum aperture range. This lens flexibility is combined with a tilt/swivel OLED screen in a package smaller than any mirrorless camera with zoom lens. So does the camera live up to the promise of its specifications? (more)